Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the fascia on the sole of the foot. The fascia is a small, thick, and tight fibrous tissue that covers the muscles and inserts into the heel bone, the calcaneus, and extends forward to anchor the toes. Its function is to cushion impacts during running and stabilize the heel.

Plantar fasciitis is defined as pain in the heel or sole of the foot, especially when first getting up in the morning. It can be caused by excessively worn footwear or poor plantar muscles. Another cause is hyperpronation, a structural deformity caused by excessive movement of the ankle bone ( talus ) on the heel bone ( calcaneus ). This abnormal movement, in turn, causes equally excessive movement of the bones and soft tissues of the foot and a shortening of the triceps surae muscles.

To avoid suffering from plantar fasciitis, it's best to invest time and money in choosing the right footwear. " Therapeutic and Biomechanical Boccia Footwear " is a shoe manufactured according to the individual needs of each patient, made with 100% natural, comfortable materials, and specifically designed for these types of situations. We determine if we are "pronators" (foot that regularly lands on the inner side of the sole) or "supinators" (foot that regularly lands on the outer side of the sole) and if we need corrective insoles. Stretching to relieve the plantar fascia is also a good idea.

If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, the best thing to do is massage the sole of your foot, passively stretch, and strengthen the plantar and peripheral muscles. Ice should also be applied to the area at least three times a day, including after all sports activities. A functional bandage or heel cup can help, but the best way to do so is to wear appropriate footwear. " Therapeutic and Biomechanical Boccia Footwear " is a pair of shoes manufactured according to the individual needs of each patient, made with 100% natural, comfortable materials, and specially designed for these types of situations.

Causes of heel pain

The heel hurts when the “plantar fascia” in the calcaneus becomes inflamed and this can originate as a local manifestation of “systemic inflammatory diseases” ( “rheumatoid arthritis”, “rheumatic fever”, “ankylosing spondylitis” ), metabolic diseases ( “diabetes mellitus” , “gout” , etc.), “vascular neurology” etc., and also secondary to anatomical alterations that directly overload the foot such as “cavus foot” , “flat foot” , “shortening of the Achilles tendon” or indirectly due to inadequate footwear.

Risk factors for plantar fasciitis

• Overweight and obesity
• Spending most of the day on your feet.
• Stress
• Becoming very active in a short period of time
• Having “flat feet” or “cavus feet” (high arch)
• Wearing high-heeled shoes predisposes the Achilles-calcaneal complex (plantar fascia) to shortening over time, resulting in plantar fasciitis . In fact, women who wear high heels cannot tolerate flat shoes or walking barefoot because they strain the plantar fascia and Achilles.

Causes of plantar fasciitis

• MECHANICS: Narrow, pointed, and stiff everyday shoes or unsuitable athletic shoes. For women, wearing narrow shoes with high, pointed heels of 3-4 inches can promote the development of plantar fasciitis .
• METABOLIC: “diabetes mellitus” , high uric acid ( “Gout” )
• DEGENERATIVE: typical of age.
• COLLAGENOPATHIES : “rheumatic arthritis”
• IMMUNOLOGICAL: “rheumatic fever”
• NEUROLOGICAL: “hypertonic” (spastic foot), “hypotonic” ( poliomyelitis , currently rare due to the vaccine).
• VASCULAR: “varicose veins”
• IN CHILDREN: It is rare, but can occur in infants with hereditary and congenital developmental “flat feet” (vertical talus) and other foot deformities ( “clubfoot” )
• There may also be pain at the insertion of the “Achilles tendon” as a result of “inflammation of the calcaneal growth cartilage” ( “Sever's disease” ).